Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging and emotional experience, not only for the individual affected but also for their family and friends. While coming to terms with this diagnosis, it’s natural that decision-making may not be the immediate focus. However, taking the time to create a care plan following a diagnosis can provide invaluable support and guidance in the long run.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the available care options for individuals living with dementia can empower your loved one to make informed decisions while they are still capable. Dementia manifests differently in each person and progresses at varying rates, emphasising the importance of personalised care solutions. Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dementia care services underscores the significance of selecting from the available options based on individual health needs, the stage of the condition, experienced symptoms, and personal preferences.
If you want to access more in-depth information about dementia, including the symptoms, stages, treatments and other useful resources, take a look at our comprehensive dementia guide.
What are the different types of dementia care?
Following a diagnosis of dementia, you may be mistaken in thinking a care home is the only option available in terms of specialised support. Fortunately, there are many care options for dementia to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are a few of the most common types of dementia care services:
Adult day centres
Facilitating hobbies and interests, adult day centres offer supervision and fun activities for adults living with dementia to enjoy. Memory loss and confusion are symptoms of dementia that can impact an individual’s social life as well as their ability to take part in lifelong hobbies. Adult day centres can provide a safe space for people with dementia to stay mentally and physically active, make friends, and socialise. However, outside of day centre hours, individuals may need additional support with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation and personal care, that a day centre cannot provide.
Nursing homes
By moving into a nursing home, individuals living with dementia can receive 24-hour medical assistance from the nursing staff on-site. This form of care is especially helpful if an individual has complex health needs or advanced dementia. However, relocating to a nursing home can be distressing for an individual living with dementia as it disrupts their daily routine and can be disorientating to be in a new environment, away from home.
Residential care facilities
Similar to nursing homes, residential care provides help and support with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and going to the bathroom. Medication management is also included in this type of care service. However, unlike nursing homes, residential care facilities do not provide round the clock medical care. These facilities are more suitable for independent individuals who require some support with everyday tasks.
Live-in dementia care
As the name suggests, live-in dementia care involves a live-in carer residing with your loved one in their home. This form of care provides individuals with personalised, one-to-one assistance, all in the comfortable surroundings they are familiar with. This form of care is becoming increasingly popular amongst those living with dementia as they can continue living in the home they love while also benefiting from extra support. There is also the option of overnight or 24-hour care if your loved one requires help throughout the day and night.
Visiting care
Another dementia care option to consider is visiting care. If your loved one only requires help and support at certain times of the day or week, visiting care may be an ideal choice. This form of care may be helpful in the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, providing assistance with picking up prescriptions, shopping, light housekeeping, and other everyday tasks.
What does live-in dementia care involve?
Live-in dementia care is a specialised form of home care, where a live-in carer will be on hand to provide round the clock care for your loved one living with dementia. Live-in dementia care typically involves:
- Management of the specific symptoms associated with dementia
- Support with personal care, such as bathing and continence care
- Preparation of nutritious and well-balanced meals
- Assistance with light household tasks
- Arranging appointments, events or outings
- Transport and accompaniment to appointments or outings
- Medication management
- Companionship and someone to talk to
For more information about live-in care options for dementia, take a look at our live-in dementia care guide.
What are the benefits of live-in dementia care?
There are many benefits to live-in care, however, this form of care can be even more advantageous to those individuals who are living with dementia. The benefits of live-in dementia care include:
- Receiving expert live-in care from an experienced dementia carer
- Peace of mind for family and friends knowing that a loved one is being cared for
- Personalised support, tailored around individual needs and preferences
- Remaining in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of home
- Staying close to neighbours, family and friends
- Continuing to live in the local area and being part of the community
- One-to-one support with the behavioural and emotional symptoms of dementia
- Around the clock care, with overnight and 24-hour care options available
Which dementia care option is best?
There is no set answer to this question, as the best dementia care options differ from person to person. The most appropriate form of dementia care depends on a number of factors. From whether your loved one wishes to remain in the familiar surroundings of home to the severity or stage of their condition. Considering their health needs and preferences is essential when making the final decision over care planning.
If your loved one experiences symptoms of dementia, such as confusion or disorientation, remaining at home with the support of a live-in carer may be more suitable. Highly sociable individuals, on the other hand, may be interested in residential facilities where they can get to know new people. However, this is entirely up to the individual and what level of care and support they need.
How to arrange live-in dementia care
Once your loved one has decided upon live-in dementia care, taking the next steps to put a care plan into action couldn’t be easier. Trinity Homecare can perfectly match your loved one with an experienced dementia carer who will provide support and assistance all in the comfortable surroundings of home.
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
If you have any questions about arranging live-in dementia care, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
Arranging nationwide live-in dementia care with Trinity is straightforward. Simply follow these five steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
